Functional structure-based modelling of automation systems

In modern production and assembly processes, conventional PLCbased architectures are state-of-the-art for control engineering and applications. These kinds of architectures cause high costs for engineering and maintenance, and specially the adaptation of applications or even hardware changes are problematic. The paper presents a new modular control architecture, designed to meet the requirements of future production systems. Control hardware and control software are modularised in the same manner as is given by the mechanical and functional structure. Even more, also the structure of the Human–Machine Interface (HMI) follows this target. The main benefits are given by hierarchical design of different views of the control software (logic, HMI, diagnostics) with the same structure as the physical devices, capable of providing easy engineering, maintenance and re-configuration of the production system. The concept has been verified by the use of a real-world material-handling example.